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What is the current status of Temple City Unified School District?

Temple City Unified School District (TCUSD) is rated among the top school districts in California and serves more than 5,300 students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. Located in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, TCUSD is recognized for strong academic performance and a commitment to providing a caring, supportive learning environment.

 

What challenges does TCUSD face?

While our schools are among the best in the State, many were built more than 70 years ago at a time when asbestos and lead pipes were used during construction. Standards have changed over these years, and we need to ensure safety and access for all students, including those with disabilities. Many classrooms, science labs, and career-technology facilities need upgrades and repairs, including addressing deteriorating roofs, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems. There is also an ongoing need to improve campus safety and keep instructional technology up to date. 

 

How is the District planning to address these challenges?

State funding does not fully cover school facility repairs and modernization, so school districts rely on local funding to maintain safe, up-to-date learning environments. We need to update our classrooms and facilities to help ensure our schools stay competitive with other top performing districts in the State.  

To address needed updates across all our schools and enhance the quality of education for our students, the district has placed Measure TCS on the November 2026 ballot to address Phase I of our School Facilities Master Plan. 

 

If approved by voters, funding from Measure TCS could be used for the following: 

• Repair/Upgrade Aging School Facilities: Repair roofs, plumbing, sewer, and electrical systems and remove asbestos and lead.

• Update Classroom Technology: Upgrade classrooms and labs for science, math, arts, engineering, and technology instruction, and provide career technical facilities.

• Improve Student Safety: Improve campus safety and security, including fencing, locks, cameras, alarms, smoke detectors, and emergency communication systems

• Upgrade older classrooms to meet health, safety code, and seismic and accessibility standards; and keep computer systems up to date.

Without increasing existing tax rates, Measure TCS would extend the current tax rate of $43 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed value (not market value) per year while bonds are outstanding.

 

Why can’t the State pay for this? 

The State does not provide sufficient funding for facilities, meaning local schools cannot maintain quality educational programs and facilities without a local funding source. If Measure TCS is passed, our schools will be eligible to receive millions in State matching funds when it becomes available that otherwise will go to other school districts.

 

Does Measure TCS include fiscal accountability?

Yes. Measure TCS includes strict fiscal accountability protections required by the State Constitution, including:

• All funds would be controlled locally and cannot be taken by the State

• An independent citizens' oversight committee and mandatory independent annual audits would ensure all funds are spent on neighborhood schools.

 

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?

Taxes levied to repay bonds are based on a property’s assessed value, not its market value. Assessed value is generally based on the original purchase price of a property and typically increases by no more than 2% per year. As a result, assessed value is often significantly lower than current market value.

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How can the measure be funded without increasing taxes? 

Measure TCS would authorize up to $146 million in bonds for identified school facility projects. The District’s current estimate is that the measure can be funded without increasing the existing tax rate per $100,000 of assessed - not market -value.

As existing bonds are repaid and the District’s total assessed valuation changes over time, the District may issue the new bonds in phases while seeking to maintain the current tax-rate estimate. The bonds would not remain outstanding for 168 years; based on current projections, all bonds issued under the measure would be repaid within approximately 37 years. These projections have been made using conservative estimates, the actual term of the Measure may be even shorter. Actual tax rates and repayment timing may vary depending on interest rates, assessed valuation, and the timing and structure of each bond issuance.

 

What level of support would Measure TCS need to pass?

Under California law, a school bond measure must receive 55% voter approval to pass.

 

Have other neighboring school districts passed local funding measures to improve their facilities?

Yes. Local bond measures are the only option available to school districts to fund needed repairs and improvements to aging classrooms and facilities. Multiple school districts in our region have passed bond measures over the past several years, including San Gabriel USD, Arcadia USD, San Marino USD, and South Pasadena USD.

 

How can I learn more?

Planning for the future of Temple City USD schools is a community-wide effort. For more information or to share questions, community members can contact the District directly at (626) 548 - 5120 ext 5120.